Honey Fingers online beekeeping course

Enrolments are open for Melbourne-based creative beekeeping studio, Honey Fingers’ online beekeeping course.

The courses are designed to be delivered in a flexible, safe and responsive manner: the online theory module begins now and, as spring unfolds and beekeeping starts up in late August, Honey Fingers hopes to start hands-in-hives, practical classes. 

For now, Honey Fingers is offering the theory component, online, via Zoom, with a shared Google folder for class materials. Numbers are limited to 20 per class. This gives a chance to get to know other people in the class and keeps an online experience a little more personal.

Additional classes will be added if the first sells out.

If you just want to cut to the chase and book, you can now book online here!

The essential details:

Note: If you are not located in Melbourne, Australia, and would like a different time (eg. a Northern Hemisphere friendly time) please contact Honey Fingers.

Theory Modules

2 x 2 hour theory sessions via Zoom.
Max. class size 20.

Class 1:
6pm-8pm Melbourne time,
Tuesday 28 July 2020.

Class 2: 
6pm-8pm Melbourne time,
Tuesday 4 August 2020.

Optional 30 minute one-on-one personal consultation / mentoring / Q+A session with founder, Nic Dowse at a mutually convenient time. This will be invoiced separately to the class booking. Contact Honey Fingers for details.

Costs:

$175 for theory classes, plus $4.88 booking fee.

$25 for optional one-on-one mentoring session.

Includes:

• Comprehensive bee-friendly instruction + theory.
• A brief history of honey hunting and beekeeping.
• Honeybee superorganism basics.
• What is ‘low intervention’ / natural beekeeping?
• The beehive explained.
• Foundation-less beekeeping tricks.
• Selecting the best site for your hive.
• Swarm management + catching techniques.
• Disease identification + treatments.
• Beekeeping obligations under the Apiary Code of Practice.
• Honey Fingers “Bee-Friendly Urban Beekeeping” booklet, the ISO edition, 2.0 (written and designed by Nic Dowse. To be posted to participants before the course commences).
• Q+A sessions at the end of each session.

Practical Modules:

In late August, once the restrictions have lifted, the practical classes are planned to commence. This works out well as beekeeping starts in late August – on the first sunny day, with blue skies, when the temperature is above 18℃.

You don’t have to do the theory course to do these modules.

The theory module participants get priority when enrolling in the practical modules.

Prices may vary depending on lockdown status – ideally, all events will include some catering/picnic. The Honey Extraction Party will, if possible, include honey tasting and pairing with local cheeses, breads and fruits, including non-dairy and GF options.

To keep things simple here, prices shown exclude catering and are subject to change.

It is not possible to book these classes yet – Honey Fingers will announce the practical modules as they get a clearer idea of what will be possible under the isolation measures.

The practical modules Honey Fingers plans to offer include:

• Hive inspections / beehive tours ($95).
• Let’s catch a swarm for you– you keep the swarm! ($150).
• How to build your own hive workshop (price TBC, you keep the wooden hive).
• Foundation-less frame building and beekeeping tips workshop ($95).
• Honey extraction parties ($95).
• Mentoring ($100 for 2 hours, includes anything you want or need: hive inspections, hive moves, Q+A, troubleshooting, advice etc.).

If you live outside Melbourne, please book as early as possible to allow enough time for the booklet to be delivered to you.

Enrolment deadline: 12 noon Wednesday 22nd July.

Book here.

Please book by 12 noon Wednesday 22nd July. This gives us time to pack and ship the booklet to you. If you enrol later than this date, you may need to pick up the booklet, or it can be express delivered to you, which will be quoted separately.

Cancellation fees:

Within 24 hours of the course commencing: $50.
Greater than 24 hours: $25 (to cover booklet and shipping).

Courses are only transferable by arrangement.
Cancellation fees may still apply.

honeyfingers.com.au/Main